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Sabres sign college free agent Casey Nelson

The Buffalo Sabres signed college free agent Casey Nelson to an entry-level contract. The 6-2 defenseman just finished his junior season at Minnesota State, leading a defense which allowed the fewest shots per game in the NCAA this year. Nelson was the WCHA Defensive Player of the Year and a member of the All-WCHA First Team.

“We’ve been consistently impressed with Casey’s play for the last two years,” Sabres general manager Tim Murray said in a statement. “We identified him as one of the top college free agents available and we’re excited to have him join the organization.”

Nelson, a native of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisc., played in 99 games for Minnesota State and finished his collegiate career with 60 points (14 goals, 46 assists) and a plus-28 rating. This past season, he led all Maverick defenders in goals (six), assists (16) and points (22) and led all skaters with a plus-15 rating.

Amy Moritz – Amy Moritz, a native of Lockport, has covered colleges, baseball and hockey for The Buffalo News since 1999. An endurance athlete, she has completed an Ironman along with numerous marathons and half-marathons.